{{warningbox|Grozny remains extremely dangerous and is emphatically NOT safe for tourists. Chechen rebels are active and the Russian Mafia is highly active within the city. Government officials are currently trying to reconstruct the city.}}

[[*Update*]] December 2012. The situation in Grozny has stabilized as time progresses. Travel to Grozny is still not advised, however the security situation continues to improve.

−

'''Grozny''' ([[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]: Гро́зный ''GROHZ-nyh'') is the war-torn capital city of [[Chechnya]]. Since the end of the Second Chechen War, Grozny has undergone a renaissance in development and many abandoned or low-quality apartments and houses demolished and replaced with newer re-built apartment buildings and suburbs. Grozny was originally a Russian fort and named after Ivan the Terrible, as Grozny is Russian meaning "terrible" and Ivan the Terrible's Russian name is Ivan Grozny. Throughout 1994 and the early 2000s the city underwent chaos as Russian military battled Chechen rebels. As of today, Grozny is undergoing redevelopment but is extremely dangerous and the Russian Mafia is very active in the city.

+

[[Image:Groznymosque.jpg.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Grozny Mosque]]

+

'''Grozny''' ([[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]: Гро́зный ''GROHZ-nyh'') is the capital city of the Russian republic of [[Chechnya]]. Grozny has undergone a massive rebuilding and development program since the end of the Second Chechen War in 2002. Many of the shelled and aandoned apartment blocs and houses have been demolished and replaced with newer re-built buildings and suburbs.

+

+

Grozny was originally a Russian fortress/garrison town, whose name in English is roughly translated as "terrible".

+

+

The city was nearly completely destroyed as a result of the Chechen separatist wars of the 1990s and early 2000s. The United Nations declared Grozny 'the most destroyed city on Earth' in 2002.

+

+

After coming under federal control in the early 2000s, Grozny has been completely rebuilt.

==Understand==

==Understand==

−

Grozny was originally founded in 1818 as a Russian fort. It was a major stronghold for the Russians during the Caucasian Wars during 1818-1864. During the early 20th century, population boomed because of the city's rich oil reserves which drove many Russians from other parts of the country to work in the city.

+

[[Image:Grozny_war.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Grozny, 1995]]

+

Grozny was originally founded in 1818 as a Russian fort. It was a major stronghold for the Russians during the Caucasian Wars of 1818-1864. During the early 20th century, the population boomed as the city's rich oil reserves brought numerous Russian settlers from other parts of the country to work in the city.

−

During World War II, Josef Stalin thought the Chechens were working with the Nazis to overthrow the Soviet government. It was decided to deport all Chechens to Northern Kazakhstan to concentration camps. Although they were allowed back into the city after Stalin's reign, many were angry with years of inequality.

+

During World War II, Josef Stalin accused the Chechens of collaborating with Nazi Germany. Stalin subsequently deported the entire Chechen population in 1944 to northern Kazakhstan, killing nearly a third of the population in the process. The Chechens were allowed to return to Chechnya after Stalin's death in 1953.

−

In the 1990s, rebels began to form groups to destroy Russian power in the regions. The government lost control and the city was very much dangerous every day. Peace finally began to restore during the late stages of the war in the 2000s and currently the government is beginning to reconstruct the city.

+

Following the liberalizing policies of Mikhail Gorbachev's 'perestroika', dissident separatists within Chechnya began calling for independence. With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Chechnya declared independence from the nearly formed Russian Federation in November of that year. Led by former Soviet Air Force General Dzhokhar Dudayev, Chechnya acted as a de-facto independent state from 1991-1994.

+

+

Moscow attempted to regain federal authority over the republic and remove Dudayev from power with a massive ill-fated assault on Grozny on December 31, 1994.

+

+

Heavy fighting over the next two years reduced Grozny to rubble as most of the population were either killed or forced to flee the city.

+

+

A ceasefire signed in 1996 effectively ended the fighting and resulted in Moscow withdrawing its forces from the republic.

+

+

Chechnya again gained a degree of de-facto independence from 1996-1999. However, the period was marked by rampant crime and kidnappings. Devastated by the war, Grozny became one of the world's most dangerous cities, marked by the number of mass abductions that occurred in the city during the period. This culminated in the kidnapping and beheading of several Western aide workers in 1998.

+

+

Chechnya's economy was in ruins and it's government ineffective as rival clans and armed militias frequently battled each other on the streets of Grozny.

+

+

Without international recognition and with the loss of its credibility in the West, Islamic extremists from the Arab world began to quickly gain influence with several former rebel commanders, including the noted terrorist Shamil Basayev.

+

+

Basayev's invasion of the neighboring republic of Dagestan and a series of bombings in Moscow precipitated the Second Chechen War in September 1999. The ensuing fighting and the recapture of Grozny by federal authorities left the city nearly completely destroyed.

+

+

Grozny has slowly been rebuilt under the supervision of Chechnya's Moscow-backed leader, Ramzan Kadyrov. The security situation has stabilized in recent years and the city's redevelopment continues at a rapid pace.

==Get in==

==Get in==

−

Because of Grozny being highly devastated by years of war, transportation is often tricky and hard as much of Grozny's transportation system has been destroyed. However, since reconstruction began, it's possible to take a flight to the city or use a train, bus or the convenient highway system.

+

Due to the devastation caused by years of war, Grozny's transportation is often tricky. However, since reconstruction projects began, it's possible to take a flight to the city or use a train, bus or the convenient highway system.

===By plane===

===By plane===

−

The only way to get to Grozny by air is by using the Vnukovo Airport in [[Moscow]]. The flights to Grozny are extremely guarded since the war and 9/11, so expect delays.

+

The only two ways to get to Grozny by air are by using Moscow's Vnukovo Airport and Istanbul's Sabiha Gokcen Aiport. Rusline is one airline with regular flights between Moscow and Grozny, and Grozny Avia is the second airline with regular flights between Istanbul and Grozny, although it may be difficult if not impossible for non-Russian visitors to gain authorization to travel to Chechnya. The flights to Grozny are extremely guarded since the war and 9/11, so expect delays.

===By train===

===By train===

−

A train leaves from Moscow to Grozny every 2 days. This train is heavily guarded, so expect a lot of delays and hassles.

+

A night train departs from [[Moscow]] every second day, taking two nights. Due to terrorist threats, the train is heavily guarded, expect delays and hassles. Also, there is a night train from [[Rostov-on-the-Don]] and a day train from [[Astrakhan]]. Local trains connect with Khasavyurt and Gudermes.

===By car===

===By car===

Line 26:

Line 51:

==Get around==

==Get around==

−

It's very difficult to get around Grozny since during the Siege of Grozny the tram and trolley system was almost destroyed. The tram is not expected to re-open, but the trolley has re-opened this year. The trolley still has not fully developed, so it's advised to use a car to travel the city.

+

It's very difficult to get around Grozny since the tram and trolley systems were destroyed during the siege of Grozny . The tram is not expected to re-open, but the trolley re-opened in 2012. The trolley still has not fully developed, so it's advised to use a car to travel in the city. There is a (religious) taxi company operating in the city called Islam, which uses green-painted cars.

==See==

==See==

−

* The main attraction to Grozny is the '''Grozny Central Dome Mosque''', which was recently completed and is the largest mosque in Europe.

+

* The main attraction to Grozny is the '''Grozny Central Dome Mosque''', which was recently completed and is the largest mosque in Russia.

−

* Another good place to go is to '''Downtown Grozny''' which features many lights and newly-opened shops and restaurants that are at good prices. There are also many stands which sell fruit and beer.

+

* Another attraction you may also want to see is the '''Church of St. Michael the Archangel''' which has been recently been renovated after being almost destroyed during the war.

+

* Another good place to go is to '''Downtown Grozny''' which features many lights and newly-opened shops and restaurants that offer good prices. There are also many stands that sell fruit and beer.

==Do==

==Do==

Line 36:

Line 62:

==Buy==

==Buy==

−

Because of the region's war's affect on the economy, many items in Grozny are cheap. Don't expect to find much Western essentials you can find in other parts of the country in many stores. Many authentic swords and daggers can be bought at low prices. There is a flea market with many Chechen and Russian merchants. Again, don't expect much and expect to find some bootleg copies of well-known products.

+

Because of the region's war's affect on the economy, many items in Grozny are cheap. However, many items do not have regular set prices. You can find many Western essentials. Many authentic swords and daggers can be bought at low prices. There is a bazaar with many Chechen and Russian merchants. You can find many producs with well known brands.

==Eat==

==Eat==

−

*'''Café Oasis''' is a reasonable place to eat in the capital Grozny. It will be difficult to find though. You might want to bring a guide.

+

*'''Café Oasis''' is a reasonable place to eat in downtown Grozny. It will be difficult to find though. You might want to bring a guide.

==Drink==

==Drink==

Line 46:

Line 72:

==Sleep==

==Sleep==

−

*A good and cheap hotel to find in Grozny is the '''Hotel Arena City''', a new hotel built by the government. The hotel is new and modern, and has many essentials you can find in other hotels you can find in the rest of the country. Many other hotels are being built. It's important to note though that rebels keep an eye on the hotels like a hawk, so be careful and try not to look suspicious.

+

*A good and cheap hotel to find in Grozny is the '''Hotel Arena City''', a new hotel built by the government. The hotel is new and modern, and has many essentials you can find in other hotels in the rest of the country. Many other hotels are being built. It's important to note though that rebels keep an eye on the hotels like a hawk, so be careful and try not to look suspicious.

+

+

==Safety==

+

Grozny has only partly stabilized enough to be safe for travel. Take extreme caution when visiting war-torn areas as there are some unexploded land-mines. Rebels often take tourists as hostages, so try to blend in with the population. Just use common sense. People in Chechnya are very modern and friendly unlike other parts of the country. If you get lost or need help you can easily find a police officer outside and he will help you with anything.

−

==Stay safe==

+

'''Many foreign governments, including the UK, Canadian and US governments, strongly warn their citizens not to travel to Chechnya under any circumstances. They report that there have been many incidents of their citizens visiting there as well as Russian citizens being missing, killed, or kidnapped for ransom.'''

−

Grozny is a extremely dangerous city to visit at the moment. Currently, there are many Chechen nationalists fighting in the area and it's said that the Russian Mafia have more members in the city than there are police. It's advised NOT to speak Chechen in the city as a foreigner speaking the language will attract a lot of attention. Nationalists do not take kindly to tourists, so sometimes you may want to wear a rag on your face to avoid attention. In general, it's advised to avoid traveling to Grozny at all times. If you really need to go there, take a lot of precaution.

+

==Get out==

==Get out==

−

*[[Argun]]: Argun is a city that is just a few miles east of Grozny. Just take the highway if you want to visit Argun.

+

*[[Argun]] — Argun is a city that is just a few miles east of Grozny. Just take the highway if you want to visit Argun.

Revision as of 16:57, 7 May 2013

*Update* December 2012. The situation in Grozny has stabilized as time progresses. Travel to Grozny is still not advised, however the security situation continues to improve.

Grozny Mosque

Grozny (Russian: Гро́зный GROHZ-nyh) is the capital city of the Russian republic of Chechnya. Grozny has undergone a massive rebuilding and development program since the end of the Second Chechen War in 2002. Many of the shelled and aandoned apartment blocs and houses have been demolished and replaced with newer re-built buildings and suburbs.

Grozny was originally a Russian fortress/garrison town, whose name in English is roughly translated as "terrible".

The city was nearly completely destroyed as a result of the Chechen separatist wars of the 1990s and early 2000s. The United Nations declared Grozny 'the most destroyed city on Earth' in 2002.

After coming under federal control in the early 2000s, Grozny has been completely rebuilt.

Contents

Understand

Grozny, 1995

Grozny was originally founded in 1818 as a Russian fort. It was a major stronghold for the Russians during the Caucasian Wars of 1818-1864. During the early 20th century, the population boomed as the city's rich oil reserves brought numerous Russian settlers from other parts of the country to work in the city.

During World War II, Josef Stalin accused the Chechens of collaborating with Nazi Germany. Stalin subsequently deported the entire Chechen population in 1944 to northern Kazakhstan, killing nearly a third of the population in the process. The Chechens were allowed to return to Chechnya after Stalin's death in 1953.

Following the liberalizing policies of Mikhail Gorbachev's 'perestroika', dissident separatists within Chechnya began calling for independence. With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Chechnya declared independence from the nearly formed Russian Federation in November of that year. Led by former Soviet Air Force General Dzhokhar Dudayev, Chechnya acted as a de-facto independent state from 1991-1994.

Moscow attempted to regain federal authority over the republic and remove Dudayev from power with a massive ill-fated assault on Grozny on December 31, 1994.

Heavy fighting over the next two years reduced Grozny to rubble as most of the population were either killed or forced to flee the city.

A ceasefire signed in 1996 effectively ended the fighting and resulted in Moscow withdrawing its forces from the republic.

Chechnya again gained a degree of de-facto independence from 1996-1999. However, the period was marked by rampant crime and kidnappings. Devastated by the war, Grozny became one of the world's most dangerous cities, marked by the number of mass abductions that occurred in the city during the period. This culminated in the kidnapping and beheading of several Western aide workers in 1998.

Chechnya's economy was in ruins and it's government ineffective as rival clans and armed militias frequently battled each other on the streets of Grozny.

Without international recognition and with the loss of its credibility in the West, Islamic extremists from the Arab world began to quickly gain influence with several former rebel commanders, including the noted terrorist Shamil Basayev.

Basayev's invasion of the neighboring republic of Dagestan and a series of bombings in Moscow precipitated the Second Chechen War in September 1999. The ensuing fighting and the recapture of Grozny by federal authorities left the city nearly completely destroyed.

Grozny has slowly been rebuilt under the supervision of Chechnya's Moscow-backed leader, Ramzan Kadyrov. The security situation has stabilized in recent years and the city's redevelopment continues at a rapid pace.

Get in

Due to the devastation caused by years of war, Grozny's transportation is often tricky. However, since reconstruction projects began, it's possible to take a flight to the city or use a train, bus or the convenient highway system.

By plane

The only two ways to get to Grozny by air are by using Moscow's Vnukovo Airport and Istanbul's Sabiha Gokcen Aiport. Rusline is one airline with regular flights between Moscow and Grozny, and Grozny Avia is the second airline with regular flights between Istanbul and Grozny, although it may be difficult if not impossible for non-Russian visitors to gain authorization to travel to Chechnya. The flights to Grozny are extremely guarded since the war and 9/11, so expect delays.

By train

A night train departs from Moscow every second day, taking two nights. Due to terrorist threats, the train is heavily guarded, expect delays and hassles. Also, there is a night train from Rostov-on-the-Don and a day train from Astrakhan. Local trains connect with Khasavyurt and Gudermes.

By car

Grozny is connected to the rest of Russia by a large highway system. The P-308, P-307 and M-29 highways connect the city to other cities in Russia. Keep in mind that it's best to take a map with you, or else you can get lost.

By bus

Get around

It's very difficult to get around Grozny since the tram and trolley systems were destroyed during the siege of Grozny . The tram is not expected to re-open, but the trolley re-opened in 2012. The trolley still has not fully developed, so it's advised to use a car to travel in the city. There is a (religious) taxi company operating in the city called Islam, which uses green-painted cars.

See

The main attraction to Grozny is the Grozny Central Dome Mosque, which was recently completed and is the largest mosque in Russia.

Another attraction you may also want to see is the Church of St. Michael the Archangel which has been recently been renovated after being almost destroyed during the war.

Another good place to go is to Downtown Grozny which features many lights and newly-opened shops and restaurants that offer good prices. There are also many stands that sell fruit and beer.

Do

On weekends, you can go and watch some football (soccer) at the Sultan Bilimkhanov Stadium. FC Terek Grozny plays there in the Russian Premier League.

Buy

Because of the region's war's affect on the economy, many items in Grozny are cheap. However, many items do not have regular set prices. You can find many Western essentials. Many authentic swords and daggers can be bought at low prices. There is a bazaar with many Chechen and Russian merchants. You can find many producs with well known brands.

Eat

Café Oasis is a reasonable place to eat in downtown Grozny. It will be difficult to find though. You might want to bring a guide.

Drink

There aren't many bars in the city, but there are many local vendors which sell beer. Common sense must be used when approaching alcohol, and beer can only be sold legally between 8:00 and 10:00 AM.

Sleep

A good and cheap hotel to find in Grozny is the Hotel Arena City, a new hotel built by the government. The hotel is new and modern, and has many essentials you can find in other hotels in the rest of the country. Many other hotels are being built. It's important to note though that rebels keep an eye on the hotels like a hawk, so be careful and try not to look suspicious.

Safety

Grozny has only partly stabilized enough to be safe for travel. Take extreme caution when visiting war-torn areas as there are some unexploded land-mines. Rebels often take tourists as hostages, so try to blend in with the population. Just use common sense. People in Chechnya are very modern and friendly unlike other parts of the country. If you get lost or need help you can easily find a police officer outside and he will help you with anything.

Many foreign governments, including the UK, Canadian and US governments, strongly warn their citizens not to travel to Chechnya under any circumstances. They report that there have been many incidents of their citizens visiting there as well as Russian citizens being missing, killed, or kidnapped for ransom.

Get out

Argun — Argun is a city that is just a few miles east of Grozny. Just take the highway if you want to visit Argun.